Anantara Kihavah celebrates man’s first walk on the moon

Fifty years ago, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped down from their lunar module onto the surface of the moon, the first humans in history to do so.

On July 20, 2019, Anantara Kihavah Villas will commemorate the 50th anniversary of man’s first walk on the moon with ‘The Eagle Has Landed Celebration.’ The astronomer’s paradise, Baa Atoll in the Maldives, is one of the best places on earth to enjoy moon and stargazing. Its proximity to the equator and its non-polluted skies means both hemisphere’s stars are clearly visible from the resort. SKY, the Maldives’ first and only overwater observatory featuring a research-grade 16” Meade LX200 telescope. The custom-built Ash-dome observatory sits on the roof deck of the resort’s Sky Bar surrounded by nothing but open skies and the ocean waves below.

The resort’s resident Sky Guru, Ali Shameem, a native Maldivian who grew up on an island without electricity, spent his childhood mapping the constellations. A protégé of Italian astronomer Dr. Massimo Tarenghi, Shameem has spent the last decade observing the stars as a professional astronomer. He shares his passion and expertise of the constellations in weekly star gazing experiences for the resort’s guests.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon walk guests are invited to join Shameem for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast with an early start of 4am. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.

The Stargazing Breakfast offers guests a unique chance to see the stars in perfect view and greater clarity as the humidity and light pollution are at its minimum during this time. Indulge in a four-course breakfast of chilled Champagne and lobster benedict to accompany your once-in-a-lifetime experience. The price for the experience including breakfast is USD 450 per person.

For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a new signature cocktail to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin. All on property guests will receive the complimentary cocktail. While it should provide a buzz, we can’t guarantee you’ll experience weightlessness.

Five fab new holiday homes available

Planning your next memorable holiday along the stunning coastline of Cape Naturaliste in the Margaret River Region just got easier thanks to five new holiday home properties being added to the Private Properties portfolio.

Timing is perfect for a winter or spring getaway with rates starting at just $355 per night for a stunning 6-bedroom waterfront holiday home!

Quins Landing in Quindalup faces directly onto Toby Inlet with its own jetty so you can drop in the kayak, paddleboard or rowboat and enjoy a paddle along the 5km waterway. The single-storey beachy easy living holiday home is also just a street back from the white sands and protected waters of Geographe Bay. The well-designed house sleeps up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms and has three bathrooms. From $355 per night for a 7-night booking.

Casa Nera in Yallingup also sleeps up to 12 people in 5 bedrooms. The new contemporary barn-style home has high end finishes and stunning views across the lush Gunyulgup Valley and is just minutes from iconic Smiths and Yallingup Beaches, plus award winning wineries and restaurants, and the town of Dunsborough is just 10-minutes’ drive away. From $427 per night for a 7-night booking.

Beachside at Bunker Bay is tucked in behind the dunes of one of Western Australia’s most breath-taking beaches. Accessed via a private laneway, the open-plan home sits comfortably in the land-scape, with natural stone and timber exteriors blending beautifully with the weeping peppermint trees in the garden. Guests of the 4-bedroom 3-bathroom home have access to the facilities of Pullman Bunker Bay Resort – including swimming pool, spa, gym, tennis courts and restaurants. From $528 per night for a 7-night booking.

Sea Spell in Eagle Bay is a short stroll to the beach and has magnificent views to the turquoise waters of Eagle Bay from the wrap-around balcony and living, kitchen and dining area and master bedroom. A stone fireplace makes the home cosy in winter, and it’s enveloped by native trees and birdsong. The downstairs games room will keep big and little kids entertained. Sleeps 10 in 4 bedrooms. From $356 per night for a 7-night booking.

Zephyr in Eagle Bay is a funky single storey holiday pad designed for relaxation. Perfect for stays with friends thanks to 3 generous bedrooms, a long dining table in the open plan kitchen and living area, a 4-sided glass fireplace, outdoor entertaining area and stroll to the beach. From $385 per night for a 7-night booking.

Private Properties has more than 100 Western Australian holiday homes available from Perth to Albany in the Great Southern, and 91 of these are in the Margaret River Region in the stunning south west. Marking 25 years of operation in 2019, the business is based in the region and employs experienced, passionate locals to take care of guests from the time of their initial enquiry through the du-ration of their stay.

They provide exclusive holiday accommodation, and an unforgettable experience for couples, families and friends to unwind and celebrate moments that last.

Accor proudly announces its new star

Accor Greater China is pleased to announce the opening of Raffles Shenzhen. As Raffles’ newest destination, Raffles Shenzhen joins the legendary collection of prestigious hotel addresses across the globe. The opening was celebrated with a gala, Experience New Heights, held on May 16th in the presence of over 300 invited VIP guests.

Throughout the glittering Experience New Heights gala, the iconic brand’s timeless essence were introduced to VIPs and socialites, leading entrepreneurs, professionals, key media and influencer representatives. Through a charity auction held during the gala, CNY3.16 million has been raised to support Beautiful Shenzhen Foundation, as an initiative by Parkland Foundation. Auction items featured some of the bespoke packages included VIP experience with the Trophée Des Champions, Paris Saint-Germain Summer Tour 2019, Raffles Celebrations Experience with a stay at the newly restored Raffles Singapore and at any Raffles hotel around the world, Host of a private Symphony Event at the world’s tallest Sky Concert Hall, as well as the VIP experience at the Sky Concert Hall opening performance featuring famous Russian soprano Aida Garifullina and dining experience with the star.

From the legendary Raffles Singapore born in 1887 to Raffles Shenzhen – the latest edition to the 130 year old brand that combines contemporary elegance with a storied past and impeccable service. Raffles has cultivated a special place in many people’s hearts around the world. Gary Rosen, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Accor Greater China, says: “The significance of Raffles Shenzhen’s opening strengthens Accor’s leadership in Greater China and around the world by providing timeless hospitality in the most luxurious of spaces and destinations. Raffles is a classic luxury brand second to none, as it represents the true spirit and emotion that is luxury. We are so proud to introduce Raffles latest addition to the world with the significant location in Shenzhen, China. Raffles Shenzhen is a magnificent new icon that offers an oasis of calm and charm, with a compelling mixture of cultures and styles to reflect Shenzhen as one of the most vibrant cities in China.”

Raffles Shenzhen is strategically situated in One Shenzhen Bay, with direct connections to the adjacent Qianhai Economic Zone in the rapidly developing Nanshan District. The 72-storey high building is an unmistakable beacon in Shenzhen’s skyline. Along with the hotel, the building includes Sky Concert Hall, certified as the highest music hall in the world, on the 71st floor; a Raffles brand residence; a helipad on the roof; excellent class A office space; a renowned car showroom; and international clubs, just to name a few of its occupants.

Internationally acclaimed Manhattan based architect Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF) was responsible for the architecture of Raffles Shenzhen, evoking emotional splendour through its contemporary classic aesthetic. By combining Chinese cultural elements with coastal views, Dubai’s LW Design provides a resplendent turn for the hotel’s interior design. Each of the 168 meticulously appointed guestrooms and suites offer generous layouts with breathtaking views of scenic Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong beyond. The rooms are finished with neutral shades to inspire serenity, accented by pops of natural hues in area rugs, cushions and throws. Traditional Chinese touches are introduced through key furniture pieces. The presidential suite epitomizes the height of welcoming opulence, and is decorated with warm amber shades complimented by sparkling metallic accents and plush textiles. Guests are welcomed through the 34th floor Sky Lobby with views of the majestic Shenzhen Bay. Its rich décor blends seamlessly with a feeling of returning home.

Raffles Shenzhen offers outstanding levels of international gastronomy through its six signature restaurants and bars, each enhanced by panoramic views. RUI Lounge boasts Raffles’ acclaimed and unsurpassed Afternoon Tea. Further, guests may enjoy a selection of signature wine and champagne. Breakfasts feature Chinese and Japanese flavors with subtle western touches, while lunch is a distinctively Asian menu and dinner plates up a wide variety of seafood. The all day dining Sky Café provides a sophisticated experience with unique flair through its interactive live cooking stations. The Long Bar is a destination where the life and soul of Shenzhen can be found. Guests enjoy stimulating conversation alongside outstanding mixology and delectable nibbles against the picturesque landscape of Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong. Kokoni is an exquisite Japanese restaurant with elegant kaiseki, premium steaks, sushi and sashimi served with fresh produce and careful attention to detail by the resident Japanese master chef. Yun Jing enchants on the 70th floor with the best of classic Cantonese dishes in their purest setting. It features fresh local ingredients for an unforgettable epicurean experience. Raffles Patisserie is akin to an art gallery, where discerning guests can indulge in an extensive selection of handcrafted delicacies including chocolates, macaroons, truffles, cakes, pastries and gorgeously packaged gifts.

Raffles Shenzhen boasts 3,000 sqm of event spaces including a column free grand ballroom and eight multifunction halls. Its tasteful yet modern venues are ideal for any type of meeting or occasion. Raffles’ unparalleled service ensures flawless and professional events from start to finish. In addition, comprehensive wedding services are available for the milestone event to a life’s journey. Brides and grooms arrive in style via exclusive helicopter landings, while state of the art lighting and technology underscore a memorable scene. Bridal dressing rooms, personal butlers, and event planning are all available for a highly personalized event to reflect fairy tale romances that will forever be treasured by everyone in attendance.

The award-winning Raffles Spa is the distillation of a relaxing sanctuary, where senses are awakened and revived through a serene oasis of peace and tranquillity. Time honoured methods and holistic treatments calm and transform the body and mind. The Fitness Center offers natural daylight to enhance coastal views of Shenzhen Bay alongside a fully equipped facility with the latest gear and private training sessions for guests to get the most of their workout. An indoor swimming pool is augmented by rejuvenating hydrotherapy wellness experiences including a Jacuzzi, vitality pool and sauna naturally lit for invigorating experiences.

Gary Rosen further comments: “As Shenzhen is a key component to the government’s plans for the Greater Bay Area, it is linked to the economic, innovation and infrastructure development of Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou. Raffles Shenzhen provides the city with a new icon through tasteful architecture and design, attentive service and unparalleled culinary offerings. All of the signature Raffles delights will be an exciting introduction to the Shenzhen market, combined to offer a new destination for relaxation, hospitality and socially rewarding experiences. Our Raffles Shenzhen is destined to become the favoured spot for local residents, business and lifestyle travellers, particularly globally minded Chinese travellers who want to experience the very best sense of the locale.”

The Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District opens

Aloft Hotels, Marriott International’s innovation incubator brand, built with a forward-looking lens and the infrastructure to experiment with emerging technologies, announced the opening of the Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District. The 136-room hotel located at 2140 East Lamar Boulevard will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Whitestone Hospitality of Irving, Texas.

Located in The Village at Ballpark, 10 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District offers guest convenient access to Six Flags Over Texas, Globe Life Park, AT&T Stadium and the rest of the Metroplex. The five-story hotel is also nearby to numerous shopping, dining and entertainment options, as well as many local businesses.

“We are delighted to open our Aloft hotel, creating a dynamic and stylish destination in the Arlington area,” said Jason Allan, General Manager, Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District. “We expect the hotel to become a popular spot for travelers looking for tech-forward innovation as well as a bustling social scene.”

Each guest rooms features the latest technology and the brand’s signature offerings, such as the ultra-comfortable plush bed, walk-in shower, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa, complimentary high-speed WiFi and a large-screen LCD TV.

The Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District hosts some of the brand’s signature staples including re:fuel by Aloft®, a 24/7 pantry, the re:mix® lounge for a signature cocktail and quiet conversation, and the WXYZ® bar offering craft cocktails, light bites, a pool table and an 86-inch HDTV to watch sporting events. Additional hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor terrace, a modern fitness center, complimentary WiFi, and a meeting room with 580 square feet of functional space to accommodate 30 people.

For more information on the Aloft Dallas Arlington Entertainment District or to make reservations, please call 817-795-3737 or visit www.marriott.com/dalae.

About Aloft Hotels

With over 150 hotels now open in over 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, andInstagram. Aloft is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa wins two major honors

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa has won two major honors at the Asia Pacific Property Awards, including the title of “Best Luxury Resort Hotel Thailand” and “Best Luxury Resort Hotel Asia Pacific”.

Thailand’s Best Luxury Resort Hotel

Nestled in a prime beachfront setting, overlooking the glistening waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa offers the ultimate seaside getaway. Just two-and-a-half hours’ drive south of Bangkok, it is ideally positioned for both domestic breaks and international beach holidays. The resort has a wealth of family-friendly facilities, including a lagoon-style pool and pirate-themed kids’ club, plus exclusive spaces for events, including spectacular weddings, making it the perfect resort for all occasions.

Asia Pacific’s Best Luxury Resort Hotel

To be named as “Asia Pacific’s Best Luxury Resort” is truly an honor for Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, but perhaps this should not come as a surprise. Just a short drive from one of Asia’s biggest international airports, the property is easily accessible. It also occupies a prime beachfront spot and features an architectural style that blends luxurious modernity with classical elegance. Guests can choose to unwind in the outdoor pool complex or indulge their senses in the Quan Spa, and the resort’s two excellent restaurants, Amber Kitchen and Big Fish & Bar, serve up fresh local produce including exquisite seafood.

The Asia Pacific Property Awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. Entries were received from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Japan, Thailand, and even Turkmenistan, so for Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa to have received these awards is truly an outstanding achievement.

About Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is located on more than 22-rai of land on Hua Hin beach. The resort’s architecture is a blend of modern design and Thai Colonial style. Guests can enjoy sumptuous dishes at any of the five dining outlets inside the resort, while enjoying the lagoon-style swimming pool and the serenading Quan Spa. The hotel also makes a perfect choice for meetings, events, private parties and seaside weddings.

Dan Caesarea reborn as Israel’s most dynamic Mediterranean Resort

The most dynamic “new” resort hotel on Israel’s Mediterranean shore town of Caesarea was unveiled, combining elegance and luxury with frissons of the playfulness, style and sophistication evocative of Tel Aviv, one of the world’s hippest cities.

The new Dan Caesarea lies 35 miles north of Tel Aviv, adjacent to the artfully preserved aqueduct and amphitheater of the Roman capital of ancient Judea, and to Israel’s only Pete Dye-designed golf course. It represents a head-to-toe transformation of the chic resort opened some 60 years ago by Baron Edmond de Rothschild.

The Dan Caesarea is a member of Israel’s most prestigious hotel group, whose King David Hotel in Jerusalem has been welcoming royals and presidents for 90 years. The redesigned Dan Caesarea sits amid 15 acres of newly landscaped gardens and offers 116 guestrooms and suites. The hotel is rich in contemporary Israeli art, with 15 monumental sculptures by the award-winning Israeli sculptor, Yaakov Dorchin, in the gardens, and works of art in the guestrooms created by the late Rita Alima.

The once sedate lobby is now Salon Bocca, with cocktails curated by Tel Aviv’s hip Suramare group. The multi-angle pool is bordered by the Limonada Bar (soft drinks and more cocktails) and within the swimming pool itself is Israel’s “first pool table in a pool.” A Greek Taverna is the ideal spot for poolside dining or taking an elegant picnic hamper into the gardens – along with the hotel’s more traditional restaurant. A shuttle service is available to the beach, five minutes from the hotel.

“We’re proud to unveil a new Dan Caesarea,” says Ronen Nissenbaum, Dan Hotels’ CEO, “a concept conjured up by some of Israel’s most creative architects, designers and style-makers – who have managed to combine stylish guestrooms, fascinating art, a culinary experience with contemporary bars, all set in beautifully landscaped gardens that create a magical atmosphere.”

The complex $25 million project to create a post-modern luxury resort was headed by Daniel Federmann. Iconic Israeli architect Ilan Pivko reimagined all the public areas; and Roni Federmann, the project’s architect, along with Esti Robinson and designers Philippe Boulakia and Dikla Robinson, created a new and refreshing approach that connects the location with nature.

Bentzi Arbel, who is responsible for some of the leading concepts of the Tel Aviv culinary scene, created the concept of Happiness is Around, which describes the spirit of the resort from its design to the service.

Each guestroom opens from a private hallway and has been designed to ensure lightness and airiness. The unique balcony structure gives guests an open view with maximum privacy and a double seating area overlooking the grounds. Fine Italian walnut floors are set at an angle to the view and artist Tzachi Nevo created unique masks to adorn each room. Rooms are equipped with “Bluetooth gramophones,” mood lighting and 55-inch high-end TVs. Immense marble bathrooms have separate bathtubs and shower. All rooms are equipped with a well-stocked bar and a unique coffee machine complete with a selection of fresh coffee beans for grinding.

The renovated Dan Caesarea is the perfect location for families, as it provides a wide range of activities for all ages. The spirit of innovation did not overlook the guests’ children, as a new and unique Danyland has been created for a younger generation. This new complex, never seen before in Israel, was designed by Philippe Boulakia and Dikla Robinson, with a deep understanding of what today’s children enjoy, combining a selection of retro games and technological innovations. Among the attractions that the Danyland club offers are a unique aquarium; a world of dinosaurs that combines a classic sandbox with a 3D projection; and a wealth of possibilities for an exciting gaming experience.

There is a variety of sports activities on offer such as a basketball court designed with unique graphics, a soccer field, a tennis court, mini golf, table tennis and more.

Finally, the new Dan Caesarea would not be complete without a pampering spa complex. There are wet and dry saunas and a state-of-the-art gym with high quality equipment connected to advanced systems. Six advanced treatment rooms offer an exciting and pioneering treatment menu.

ABOUT DAN HOTELS:Dan Hotels Israel is the largest luxury hotel group in the country. The history of the chain dates back to June 1947, when two brothers Yekutiel and Shmuel Federmann, purchased a 21-room guest house called the “Kaete Dan” on the Tel Aviv sea shore. Today, the chain owns thirteen deluxe and superior first-class hotels in prime locations around the country, an international convention center and a hotel training school. The collection includes Jerusalem’s legendary King David Hotel, a member of “Leading Hotels of the World” and considered the most prestigious hotel in Israel. Additional luxury hotels include: Dan Accadia Hotel Herzliya, Dan Caesarea Hotel, Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel and Dan Eilat Hotel. Dan Hotels places an emphasis on hospitality and warm accommodation with the its, “Experience the Best” ethos. Dan Hotels recently expanded overseas with the development and opening of the Den Hotel in Bangalore, India’s capital of high-tech.

]]>http://europe.etbtravelnews.global/381859/dan-caesarea-reborn-as-israels-most-dynamic-mediterranean-resort/feed/0A refreshing take on a Balinese escapehttp://europe.etbtravelnews.global/381850/a-refreshing-take-on-a-balinese-escape/ http://europe.etbtravelnews.global/381850/a-refreshing-take-on-a-balinese-escape/#commentsThu, 23 May 2019 14:07:49 +0000http://www.etbtravelnews.global/?p=381850Travel & Tourism News. Find out more at ETB News

A refreshing take on a Balinese escape Located in Bali’s most lively and storied village, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach draws inspiration from the flavours, culture and character of its surrounding local neighbourhood and promises an authentic fusion of enchanting Balinese culture and contemporary creativity.The property has more than a few reasons worth many a...

A refreshing take on a Balinese escape

Located in Bali’s most lively and storied village, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach draws inspiration from the flavours, culture and character of its surrounding local neighbourhood and promises an authentic fusion of enchanting Balinese culture and contemporary creativity.The property has more than a few reasons worth many a visit, and these exceed far beyond the lovely suites and villas available. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach offers innovative, cultural, and exciting luxury experiences – a refreshing take on a typical Balinese escape.

Tree Bar – Mid-Week Jives and Friday FlushOrganic artisan bar by day and speakeasy cocktail bar by night, the Tree Bar offers both healthy and bespoke refreshments within a gorgeously verdant space bursting with foliage. Created by the resort’s Balixologist™ (hand crafting mixed drinks using locally grown herbs, spices, greens and tropical fruits and inspired by Balinese heritage) the drinks menu features temptations such as Laklak Swizzle with Bacardi rum-infused pandan, Arak spice liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut nectar, lime juice and soda water; and Kopi Sik Luh – a twist on the famous Espresso Martini – with Absolut vodka, Pottery Cafe cold brew espresso, white chocolate liqueur, turmeric and vanilla syrup, chocolate bitters and milk foam. There are also plenty of fresh juices and non-alcoholic cocktails, as well as healthy soups and salads.

Every Wednesday, from 6pm-9pm, Mid-Week Jive at Tree Bar is the perfect antidote to the mid-week blues, with live acoustic local bands performing while patrons enjoy the Buy 1, Get 1 Free offer on cocktails (from 6-8pm). Guests are welcome to choose their own ingredients for a totally bespoke cocktail creation by the Balixology team behind the bar.On Fridays, Tree Bar hosts Friday Flush, with performances by local musicians Erwin Saz and Palu Gada from 5pm-10pm. Start the weekend right with the Buy 2, Get 3 cocktail offer on drinks such as Laklak Swizzle with Bacardi rum-infused pandan, Arak spice liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut nectar, and lime juice topped with soda water; or the Kopi Sik Luh, a twist on an Espresso Martini, with Absolut vodka, Pottery Cafe cold brew espresso, white chocolate liqueur, turmeric and vanilla syrup, chocolate bitters and homemade milk foam. The Chill n Throw takes Bedugul farm-grown cilantro (coriander) leaves and muddles them with cucumber, fresh lemon juice, local raw honey and cilantro-infused Arak Bali. Another favourite is the Purple Bird (pictured above).

Neighbourhood Excursions

Hotel lndigo’s ‘Neighbourhood 15′ campaign casts a keen spotlight on the neighbourhood of each property – defined by being within a 15 minute radius from the doorstep. By featuring local neighbourhood stars, the campaign celebrates the inspiring and rich neighbourhood stories that have been integral to each hotel’s personality and the intricate relationship the hotel shares with the local community.Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach currently highlights eight of its neighbours who make up the colourful fabric of the Seminyak Neighbourhood including:• Surf School Bali – four minutes away, pros and newbies alike can look forward to an unforgettable surfing experience on Seminyak’s pristine beaches as they’re led by a seasoned and affable local surfer, Dedik.• Bali Joe Bar – seven minutes away, its welcoming atmosphere makes for a memorable night of lively and light-hearted fun.• Divine Earth – seven minutes away, fuel up on natural good food at this raw vegan restaurant that also boasts its own 30-seat cinema.• Bali Barber – eight minutes away, Bali’s original traditional Western barbershop’s professional crew promises to deliver on any style needs.• Jari Menari Massage & Training Centre – eight minutes away, an award-winning local spa renowned for its signature ‘four-hand massage’, a hot favourite among locals and travellers alike.• Seminyak Yoga Shala – eight minutes away, a studio that prides itself on providing students with a simple and comfortable atmosphere to practice yoga at all levels.• Uluwatu Handmade Balinese Lace – ten minutes away, a native fashion brand specialising in handmade lace, made with the highest quality materials with outstanding craftsmanship.• The Koop Roaster & Café – 13 minutes away, a quaint café specialising in microlot coffee from various local farms, roasted on-site along with homemade bread and cakes.

Sava Spa is designed to blend modern holistic natural healing with traditional local wisdom. Open everyday from 9am – 10pm, Sava Spa offers ten relaxation rooms designed as a temple of relaxation & wellness – offering a complete remedial after a day of active explorations in the neighbourhood featuring a unique variety of spa treatments and Balinese traditional massages with both locally-sourced and HARNN’s finest natural active-ingredients products tailored to Asian holistic approach. Sava Spa also offers Relaxation Lounge, Beauty Lounge and a 24/7 Health Club boasting fully equipped gym with the state-of-the-art technology, comprehensive weight-lift equipment, TRX Suspension Straps, and a designated area for martial arts.Must try treatments:

Balinese Boreh Body Mask. An all-over Balinese spice body mask that increases circulation while exfoliating and softening the skin. The exquisite body care collection at Sava Spa is created with local herbs, Balinese rice and fresh sea salt providing a therapeutic result and transformational experience.The Journey of Balinese Wisdom. This is one of the spa’s Signature Journey packages which uses Balinese Rice, seen as a gift from God, as an aromatic full body scrub, followed by a Cold Balinese River stone massage and Balinese herbal facial.

The spa team’s holistic approach includes meditation and chakra application to their treatments. Sava Spa has developed massage oils and scrubs using all-natural ingredients such as cinnamon, clove, spicy black pepper, and puras (a kind of nutmeg that grows in Bali).SugarSand

A stylish beachfront restaurant & bar where guests can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of tapas and drinks prepared by our resident BALIXOLOGIST™. The cocktail menu at SugarSand features a modern take on cocktail history and culture. Using novel ingredients and spirits, balixologists serve up unique concoctions and take guests through a completely new journey in mixology. The bar also showcases Japanese-inspired cocktails and a variety of spirits and sake.SugarSand introduces a unique approach to Nikei-inspired dishes. Using only the freshest ingredients available coming from both the land and the sea, the kitchen will be offering traditional and modern dishes of Japanese inspiration.

As for the vibrant entertainment at SugarSand, top island curators bring guests a warm, colourful tapestry of sound from around the globe, through the ages and into the future. Expect the unexpected. Organic, timeless, soulful music flows throughout the day, from ambient to jazz, from rare groove to soulful techno, from conscious hip hop to disco, no genre is off limits. Regular events with unique local and international talents are also hosted at SugarSand. Guests of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach and other travellers are encouraged to soak up the sun or sunset, sea breeze, and sand of Seminyak Beach while spending time with family and friends at SugarSand. The Beach Club is open from 8am-1am the following day.

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo

The new year has started on a positive note further connecting the Grand Hotel Tremezzo with the treasures of Lake Como. The Grand Hotel is honoured to announce that it has acquired Villa Passalacqua, a shining emblem of noble life on the Lake. For over 300 years, the Villa has been admired for its charming architecture, its ancient gardens and the famous people that have made it one of the most sought-after addresses from the 1700s, to the present day. On April 10th, the iconic Grand Hotel opened its doors, welcoming in its 110th season amid exciting news.

“We are proud and excited to be reopening the Grand Hotel Tremezzo with our new jewel, Villa Passalacqua, and the rare pearl, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi. These large investments mark the start of the 110th season, which has got off to an incredible start,” says Valentina De Santis, CEO of the five-star luxury establishment.

The Grand is now the custodian of Villa Passalacqua, a shining emblem of noble life on the Lake, admired for over 300 years for its charming architecture, ancient gardens and the famous people who have stayed here, making the residence one of the most sought-after and exclusive addresses from the 1700s to the present day.

Guests at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo will also have the opportunity to live an unforgettable sensorial experience at gourmet restaurant, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi. Eight years ago the late Maestro dreamed of opening his restaurant at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo; today La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi is the only restaurant in the Gualtiero Marchesi Group to serve up the iconic dishes which revolutionised Italian cuisine – making it the center of international attention – including rice and gold and open ravioli, Pollock-inspired dripping and Fontana’s Red and Black, spaghetti salad with caviar and Veal fillet with foie gras and black truffle Gualtiero Marchesi style.

Supporting the ambitious project designed together with the Maestro, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has also renovated its kitchens, a demanding operation from every perspective, undertaken in the winter months when the hotel was closed.

“The kitchens,” explains Silvio Vettorello, General Manager of the Grand Hotel, “were designed with the utmost attention to reflect and emphasise the elegance of the Palace, even behind the scenes.”

This elegance is achieved with materials of age-old charm, including Carrara marble, French red marble, Venetian terrazzo flooring and ceramic walls embellished with copper. The meticulous choice of a palette rich in light and colour accompanies the latest cooking and preservation technologies through the various stations, from the baking area to meat and fish preparation, to fresh pasta, ice cream and patisserie. The crowning jewel is the panoramic view over the lake, offering boundless inspiration to the brigade of chefs headed by Osvaldo Presazzi.

The very best of Italy is also showcased in the multi-award winning T Spa, which has a new line of products and treatments courtesy of the century-old knowledge of Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella di Firenze. The beautiful collection of treatments ranges from salt or arnica flower scrubs and plant-based candle massages to soft butters and rose water to soften the face.

“More than ever before,” says Silvio Vettorello “this year the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has embraced the very best of history, art and taste to share with guests the apex of the Italian art of living.”

Five-Star Beachfront resort unveils new spa villas

The Anam, a 12-hectare resort on Vietnam’s pristine Cam Ranh peninsula, has introduced two spa villas replete with couples’ massage tables, a large private outdoor pool and panoramic ocean views.

The new 267-square-metre villas are set on a hill and command expansive vistas of Long Beach and islands strewn offshore. In addition to their spa facilities, the villas also offer two spacious bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom, a kitchen, a large living room, and a private pool with a deck, BBQ grill and sunbeds. The new two-bedroom spa villas join the resort’s pair of 180-square-metre one-bedroom spa villas, set on 400 square metres of lush hillside land located next to the 10-treatment room Anam Spa.

To mark the opening of the two-bedroom spa villas, The Anam is offering guests staying at these villas one complimentary in-villa spa treatment per person per day, as well as free breakfast and airport transfers.

An array of in-villa treatments are on offer from the Anam Spa’s ‘high-touch, low-tech’ menu steeped in holistic Asian healing traditions. A 25% discount is available for further treatments booked throughout each stay.

The spa offers a host of treatments ranging from massages, body scrubs and body wraps to facials, nail care and hair care. For each treatment the spa therapist tailors the ingredients to suit the guest’s needs, be it to energise, heal, detox or relax. Signature treatments include ‘The Anam Royal Treatment’, totalling 180 minutes and featuring a 10-minute welcome foot ritual, a 20-minute green tea body scrub, a 60-minute Anam Arising massage, a 30-minute mud body wrap and a 60-minute facial.

The Anam also arranges in-villa yoga and meditation sessions with its resident yogi, Umesh, and offers a three- and five-day detox and wellness journeys.

A variety of healthy dishes are served up as part of the resort’s in-villa menu and at its four restaurants, including light and zesty traditional Vietnamese cuisine made with fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as juices, smoothies and cleansing teas.

The Anam also offers three swimming pools, a host of active pursuits and a 300-metre stretch of private beachfront.

Nightly rates for ‘Spa Villa with Private Pool Two Bedroom’ start from $730++, including one complimentary spa treatment per day, breakfast and airport transfers. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.theanam.com, call +(84) 2583 989 499 or email info@theanam.com

About World Resorts of Distinction

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Swiss-Belhotel International invites Indonesian families to make magical memories

Swiss-Belhotel International invites Indonesian families to make magical memories

Swiss-Belhotel International, the global hospitality management chain, is celebrating the Indonesian school holidays with a special nationwide package that allows parents and children to enjoy fun-filled family breaks together.

Under the “Indonesia School Holiday Package”, guests who book a minimum two-night stay at any Swiss-Belhotel International property in Indonesia can enjoy an amazing 25 percent off the Best Flexy Rate, including complimentary Wi-Fi. Bookings must be made between 15th May and 3rd June 2019, for stays taken between 10th June and 13th July 2019.

“The school holidays are a great time of year for parents and kids to get away from their daily routines and reconnect with each other. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we understand that not all families are the same, which is why we’ve extended our School Holiday Package to our entire Indonesian collection, comprising more than 60 hotels and resorts in this enchanting country,” said Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International.

“So whether your family loves relaxing on the beach, trekking through jungles, seeking thrills at a theme park or feeling the buzz of the city, our diverse portfolio provides the perfect option for everyone. With 25 percent off our night rates, we’re helping even more families to make magical memories together during the school holidays,” he added.

Swiss-Belhotel International offers an amazing array of opportunities for family holidays all across the Indonesian archipelago. Parents can treat their kids to a blissful beach vacation in Bali, a cultural retreat in Yogyakarta, a snorkelling trip to Manado, a shopping break in Jakarta, and many more destinations nationwide.

Swiss-Belhotel International also offers an extensive selection of brands for every budget, from luxurious five-star stays with Grand Swiss-Belhotel and Grand Swiss-Belresort, to affordable breaks at Swiss-Belinn, Swiss-Belexpress and Zest Hotels. And of course, guests can find plenty of international midscale and upscale options with Swiss-Belhotel, Swiss-Belresort, Swiss-Belsuites and Swiss-Belboutique.

Many of the group’s Indonesian hotels also feature child-friendly restaurants, kids’ clubs, children’s pools and more, making them perfectly suited to school holiday vacations.

With such an impressive collection of Indonesian hotels and resorts now available, it is little surprise that Swiss-Belhotel International has been named as “Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain” at the Indonesia Travel and Tourism Awards (ITTA) eight times.